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L E G I S L A T I V E N E W S

a state border. The goal is to induce businesses to relocate or expand businesses in Geor- gia rather than a border state. Passed Election SB202 by Sen. Burns (R-Syl- vania), reforms Georgia’s election process by requiring absentee ballots to be verified by checking identification rather than signature, limit- ing ballet drop box access, expanding weekend voting, adding new requirements for county election boards, and including prohibitions on the public from the distribution of food and water to voters waiting in line. (Go to www. GFIA.org for more details on the 96-page bill.) Passed Emergency Powers SB200 by Sen. Anavitarte (R-Dallas), provides that certain business and religious institutions may continue oper- ations or resume operations if they are in compliance with applicable safety procedures during certain states of emer- gency. Passed Food Deserts SR283 by Sen. Jones (D-Au- gusta), creates the Senate Improving Access to Healthy Foods and Ending Food Deserts Study Committee. The committee is tasked with examining Georgia’s desert problem and examine any changes that should be made to this state’s tax and economic policies to combat food deserts. The resolution specifically mentions that gro- cers are reluctant to locate in low-income communities. The committee will conduct meet- ings and report by December 31, 2021. Passed

clean-up (ex: tire fees must be used for tire clean-up). Passed HB593 by Rep. Blackmon (R-Bonaire), entitled the Tax Relief Act of 2021, increases the standard deduction for Georgians paying state income tax to $5,400 for individual filers, $3,550 for couples filing separately and $7,100 for cou- ples filing jointly. Passed Tobacco/Vape HB287 by Rep. Bonnie Rich (R-Suwanee), adds tobacco and vapor products to the requirements that schools provide annual education on alcohol and drugs. The bill also requires education on human trafficking. Passed Tort/Liability Protection The trial attorneys once again showed their strength by blocking several pro-busi- ness bills, but an expansion on COVID-19 liability did pass this year. COVID-19 liability protec- tions (unless claimant proves gross negligence) for business- es and other covered entities until July 14, 2022. A rebutta- ble presumption of risk exists if an entity posts a sign at the entrance. (GFIA can provide the language if you are inter- ested.) Passed Utilities SB150 by Rep. Williamson (R-Monroe), prohibits local governments from prohibiting the connection or reconnection of any utility service based upon the type of energy source or fuel. Passed HB112 by Rep. Kelly (R-Rockmart), extends

Labor HB146 by Rep. Gaines (R-Gainesville) and others, would mandate paid parental leave for eligible state and local employees. Passed HB532 by Rep. Werkheis- er (R-Glennville), changes certain provisions relating to the powers and duties of the Commissioner of Labor. Ad- ditionally, it changes certain provisions relating to eligibil- ity requirements for extended benefits. Passed Loss Prevention/Retail Crime HB327 by Rep. Momtahan (R-Dallas), enacts the Orga- nized Retail Crime Prevention Act, which requires certain record keeping requirements for the third-party sales of gift cards. (Retailers who sell gift cards to the end user are not included.) Pro-retail market- place transparency language was removed in the final hours of Session after opposition from online marketplace com- panies. Passed Motor Vehicles HB169 by Rep. Corbett (R- Lake Park), requires Commer- cial Drivers Licenses issued after January 1, 2022 to have completed a driver training course that complies with federal law (49 CFR Parts 383 and 384). Passed SB102 by Sen. Gooch (R-Dahlonega), establishes the Georgia Commission on E-Commerce and Freight Infrastructure Funding, a joint legislative study committee, focusing on the funding needs due to the accelerated growth during the pandemic. Passed

Pharmacy Another banner year for pharmacy! Legislation passed to allow pharmacists to administer additional vaccinations, administer COVID-19 tests, and super- vise additional technicians. HB316 by Rep. Stephens (R-Savannah), and others, increases the number of phar- macy technicians a pharmacist may supervise from the cur- rent 3:1 to 4:1. Also stipulates that if a pharmacist supervises four pharmacy technicians, two must be certified. If supervising three techs, one must be certified. No certifica- tion is required for pharmacy technicians in pharmacies at any time during which the pharmacist directly supervis- es less than three pharmacy technicians. Passed HB653 by Rep Jasperse (R-Jasper), allows pharma- cies to order, administer and interpret COVID-19 tests. The bill was amended to include a sunset provision of twelve months after the expiration of the Federal State of Emergen- cy. Passed SB46 by Sen. Burke (R- Bain- bridge), modifies the vaccine protocol by expanding the vac- cines that can be administered by a pharmacist. Authorizes a pharmacist to provide any adult immunization scheduled recommended by ACIP, Flu vaccines for anyone aged 13 and over and any vaccine un- der a public health emergency. Passed Taxation/Fees HB511 a bill backed by Governor Kemp and carried by Rep. Reeves (R-Kennesaw), implements the “truth in fees” constitutional amendment which stops the diversion of fees meant for environmental

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“The Voice of the Food Industry in Georgia”